Anesthetic Blocks for pelvic or vulvar pain

Direct injections into “trigger points” are sometimes utilized. Often one or a series of injections using a local anesthetic (numbing medicine) and a steroid (anti-inflammatory) are used for these local injections. This technique can be used for certain types of chronic vulvar or pelvic pain.

Diagnostic Hysteroscopy

Hysteroscopy is a procedure that is used to evaluate the endometrium, the lining of the uterus. Sterile water is placed into the cavity to expand the uterus and a small scope is inserted to give the doctor a clear view of the inside of the uterus. The scope is hooked up to a camera and TV monitor so that both doctor and patient (if she so desires) can see. This may be required to look for structural abnormalities such as fibroids, or to evaluate abnormal bleeding. Sometimes tissue samples or small polyps are removed during the procedure.

Essure® Hysteroscopic Sterilization

This permanent sterilization procedure uses a tiny coil that is inserted into the fallopian tubes. Over a 3-month period, scar tissues forms over the coil, thus blocking the tubes. The procedure is performed in our office under local anesthesia, and there are no incisions.

Her Option™ Endometrial Ablation

Women who suffer from abnormally heavy uterine bleeding may find Her Option™ Cryoablation Therapy as a good treatment option for reducing or eliminating heavy periods. The treatment uses sub-zero temperatures to destroy the endometrium, resulting in dramatically less menstrual bleeding. The procedure is performed in the office with minimal anesthesia, and no IV or surgery. For more information, visit www.heroption.com

LEEP & Cone Biopsies

LEEP stands for Loop Electrosurgical Excision Procedures, which is a procedure where abnormal areas of the cervix may be removed for further evaluation, or to ensure that an abnormality has been completely removed. LEEP would be used in cases of an abnormal pap smear followed by a colposcopy to confirm the diagnosis of dysplasia (abnormal growth). The LEEP device uses a thin, wire loop and electric current to remove the tissue. The cervix is first numbed using a local anesthetic and the procedure otherwise feels very similar to colposcopy.

Colposcopy

Colposcopy is the procedure used to view the cervix with a magnifying scope. By using magnification and certain solutions applied to tissue, the doctor can identify the source of abnormal cells often found on Pap smears. Once these cell patterns are visible to the eye, small biopsies may be taken for the lab to evaluate and correlate with the Pap. There may be a little discomfort with the biopsy, but they are very quick and usually well-tolerated. Any bleeding is usually minimal and is treated with a “mustard-like” paste, which may leave a discharge for a few days. The procedure is less than 20 minutes long.